Rice returns to training before Argentina

The concern

Rice had been absent from training for three days with a sickness bug — not ideal timing when you're 90 minutes from a World Cup final. England's midfield is built around him: the press, the recovery runs, the ability to sit and screen when the game needs managing. Against Argentina, you need all of that, and then some.

For a spell, his availability for the semi-final was genuinely in doubt. That's not a small thing. England without Rice in this kind of game is a different proposition entirely.

What we know now

According to Sky Sports, as reported by CaughtOffside, Rice was back out on the grass and — crucially — looked in good shape doing it. The word used was "absolutely fine." No official confirmation has come from England's medical staff or from Southgate himself, so this remains one source deep and visually assessed rather than medically cleared. Worth keeping that caveat close.

But training participation after three days out, with the semi-final still ahead? That's the trajectory you want.

Why it matters so much

England vs Argentina at a World Cup semi-final stage is the kind of fixture that writes its own mythology before a ball is kicked. Rice anchors the midfield structure that lets the attacking players — Jude Bellingham, Phil Foden, the rest — operate with freedom. Without him, Southgate has to reshuffle in a way that changes the team's shape and its balance under pressure.

He didn't look like a man who'd spent three days in bed. That'll do for now.